Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks NRA - Whispering Spruce Trail - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks NRA - Whispering Spruce Trail |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | West Virginia |
| Nearby Town: | Riverton |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | From I-81, take the US 33 West exit, and continue to follow US 33 for approximately 57 miles. Turn Left on Briery Gap Road (CR-33/4) and continue for approximately 2.5 miles. Bear Right on Public Road 112 and follow for approximately 7.4 miles before turning right on Public Road 104. Continue on Public Road 104 for approximately 1.8 miles until you reach the parking lot. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 0.50 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Easy |
| Permit Required: | No |
| Hike Type: | Roundtrip, Loop Hike |
| Hike Starts/Ends: | Spruce Knob Parking Lot |
| Trails Used: | Whispering Spruce Trail |
| Backcountry Campsites: | No |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | None |
| Management: | U.S. Forest Service |
| Contact Information: | Monongahela National Forest 200 Sycamore Street Elkins, West Virginia 26241 Phone: (304) 636-1800 Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area Potomac Ranger District Phone: (304) 257-4488 Seneca Rocks Discovery Center Phone: (304) 567-2827 http://www.fs.fed.us/ |
| Best Season: | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Users: | Hikers |
| Road Conditions: | Secondary Paved Roads |
| Hike Summary: | The Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920. Located in the north central highlands of West Virginia, the Monongahela straddles the highest ridges in the State. Elevation ranges from just under 1000' to 4863' above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse National Forests in the country. Encompassing 100,000 acres, the scenic Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (NRA) contains the highest peak in West Virginia, some of the best rock climbing on the east coast, outstanding views and a chance to enjoy America`s great outdoors. Congress established the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area in 1965. This area is unique because it was the first NRA to be designated in the USDA Forest Service. At 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia`s highest peak. From this rugged alpine peak, you can view grassy openings and pastures or look down on forested ridges as far as the eye can see. The vegetation here has adapted to a harsh environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants hug the ground. Spruce Knob Tower - A stone and steel observation tower sits atop the Knob, providing visitors with a vantage point from which to enjoy a 360 degree view. The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles the knob and provides panoramic views. Interpretive signs along the gentle, graveled trail describe the high country vegetation, geology and animal life. Vault toilets, picnic tables, grills and vehicle parking complete the facilities available at the tower. |
There are no comments yet.